The air is getting crisp in Chicago as summertime Chi winds down into fall. Over the past few months, the city has seen hundreds of thousands of tourists visit our city for big events like the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Convention & Career Fair, Lollapalooza and the Democratic National Convention (DNC), among others.
Even popular TikTok restaurant enthusiast Keith Lee popped in for a few days to give his take on a few of our city’s gems such as Cleo’s Southern Cuisine in Bronzeville, Amici in Lakeview, Mario’s Italian Ice in Little Italy, and Watta Potato in Austin.
You ask any Chicagoan and they will say boldly that Chicago is undoubtedly the best food city in the country, offering tastes from cuisines around the world while still authentically embodying the authentic taste of Chicago.
Just because the weather is cooling down, doesn’t mean the city is slowing down. If you’re visiting Chicago this fall, and staying in the downtown area, there will still be plenty of sights to see and delicious food to savor.
Here is a list of Black-owned restaurants, coffee shops, and bars in and around the Loop to dine at and support. (REPORTER’S NOTE: All of these establishments are within five miles of downtown).
Dearly Beloved (River North) – This new swanky and chic cocktail restaurant is the perfect place for a cocktail or a very nice dinner. Co-owned by Chireal Jordan of Machine Hospitality Group, Dearly Beloved offers guests unique textures and tastes with its eclectic food and beverage menu.
Signature Bar (South Loop) – If you’re looking for a premium sports bar to catch Team USA compete at the Olympics, Signature on South Wabash is just the place! Owned by former Chicago Bear Israel Idonije, this restaurant offers guests an elevated experience with menus for lunch, happy hour, dinner, and brunch.
Sip and Savor (South Loop) – With five locations across the city, this coffee shop is the perfect place to grab that morning cup of coffee before heading to the Convention Hall.
Soul & Smoke (West Loop) – Created by Executive Chef D’Andre Carter and his wife Heather, Soul & Smoke was established as a take-out concept in 2020. Over the next few years, Soul & Smoke expanded to be the fastest-growing barbeque in Chicago, with a West Loop location at Accenture Tower being its newest.
Wax Vinyl Bar & Ramen Shop (West Town) – Opening in June , Wax Vinyl is the perfect Friday night spot enjoying a bowl of Ramen or listening to a skilled DJ spin your favorite records. The owners, husband and wife team Lee and Gina have turned an old Asian Cuisine & Seafood Boil restaurant into a hip gathering spot with an eclectic drink menu.
Ina Mae Tavern & Packaged Goods (Wicker Park) – For an authentic taste of New Orleans, make your way to Ina Mae Tavern. From savory boudin balls to half-dozen classic oysters and deliciously boozy cocktails, co-owner and head chef Brian Jupiter has created a menu that would instantly transport you to the Big Easy.
The L Station (Downtown) – Located in the heart of downtown, The L Station offers guests a luxury soul experience. From succulent BBQ turkey tips to decadent lobster mac and cheese, The L Station is the spot for a hearty meal after a long day of networking.
Frontier (West Town) – Also co-owned by Chef Brian Jupiter, Frontier is for the meat lovers. You can start off with an order of lamb empanadas or elk sliders, and move on to the main event with a pork Porterhouse chop or some Wagyu ribs. And don’t forget the five-cheese mac!
Pour Souls Cocktail Club (Wicker Park) – Want the feeling of chilling in a cozy Chicago living room? Pull up to Pour Souls and grab yourself a craft cocktail. Owner Tim Williams creates all of the custom mixers in-house, so you can just sit back, sip from some vintage glassware and enjoy the vibe.
Cleo’s Southern Cuisine (Downtown) – One of three locations for this franchise, Cleo’s offers a delicious taste of the south. Reviewed by TikTok star Keith Lee, this establishment is receiving all of the praise for its fried catfish and honey cornbread muffins.
Provaré (West Town) – A fusion of Creole and Italian cuisine that will surely take your taste buds on a wild ride. Make a reservation and be sure to order Crabby Fries for the table.
The Delta (Wicker Park) – This Wicker Park staple specializes in red hot tamales, crafted cocktails and other delicacies from the Mississippi Delta region. The “Saturday Day Party Lunch” and “Sunday Soul Brunch” offer family-style menu options, as well as dishes a la carte and some fun vibes with music.
1308 Chicago (Goose Island) – Calling all vegetarians! This ‘speakeatery’ is serving up new American cuisine with flair. Try the corn ribs as a starter and the Miso-glazed roasted half chicken for the main course.
Goose Island Shrimp House (Goose Island) – As the oldest shrimp house in Chicago, this spot is a must visit for the seafood lovers. Fried oysters, smelt, and frog legs and an assortment of sides highlight the menu. Bring cash with you as this establishment keeps it old school with a cash-only policy.
Chicago French Press (South Loop) – Chicago French Press offers a full service coffee bar in the South Loop’s Roosevelt Commons, as well as ground coffee and loose leaf tea for customers to purchase.
16th Street Bar & Lounge (South Loop) – Part coffee bar + part cocktail bar = all of the vibes. If you’re looking for a cute spot to get a little work done, or to enjoy a mid-day glass of wine, 16th Street Bar is the place to be.
Taste 222 (Fulton River District) – Taste 222 serves as the storefront showcase of the Black-owned venture capital firm Cleveland Avenue. Serving New American small bites and entrees in the Loop, the restaurant is only open for lunch and happy hour Mondays through Fridays.
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